Dorking Qualities

The Dorking excels as a quality meat producer. Chicken connoisseurs of the past often requested Dorking for their meal. Dorkings have a tender, fine-textured, flavorful white meat. By today's standards they mature slowly, but most agree justify the wait. Tolerable egg layers, they produce 140 eggs a year with maximum outlay during spring and summer. Dorkings have the unique distinction of existing as one of a few fowl with red earlobes that lays white eggs. Most red ear lobe chickens lay brown eggs. A hardy breed, the Dorking tolerates cold and will work well in the northern latitudes.

Dorking Temperament

Dorkings have an exceptional often irritating brooding instinct. They like to sit on eggs. Entire flocks have gone on strike preferring to sit on eggs rather than lay them. Of course, their broodiness also translates into good mothering dispositions. Dorkings have a calm and docile temperament. A forgiving nature makes them adaptable to differing living situations. The quiet Dorking fits well in suburban settings. Owners classify them as shy and gentle creatures that handle confinement with ease while still enjoying a romp in the run.

Dorking Appearance

The Dorking has a couple unique features that distinguish them from most other chicken breeds. One, they have five toes rather than the common four toes of most chickens. The fifth toe grows on the back of the foot and slopes upward. Two, Dorkings often sport a huge, six-pointed single comb; although, some variations have a rose comb. The American Poultry Association recognizes five standard plumages for Dorkings: Silver Grey, Dark Red, Cuckoo, and White. Most Dorking ranchers own Silver Grey. All colors of the Dorking have striking red eyes, large combs and wattles, medium earlobes, and white legs.

Dorking Upkeep

The large comb of a Dorking makes them susceptible to frostbite. Some raisers dock the combs. Provide them warm shelter in northern latitudes during the colder months. An active breed, give your Dorkings spacious room to roam and forage. Owners report that Dorkings grow increasingly “weedy” if overly cooped or cramped. A weedy fowl refers to a sinewy bird which defeats the primarily purpose of owning a Dorking. Provide Dorking ample nesting spots to accommodate their broodiness. Dorkings grow into a large fowl but mature slowly and need food ad libitum. Restricted diets will permanently stunt their growth.